Shawn, Debi, and Eason.

Have you ever thought, “Something great is happening right before my eyes”?

This entered my mind during yesterday afternoon’s StoryKeeping session.  This was an extraordinary new way of capturing the highlights of a loved one’s life!

Debi and Shawn are self-described non-traditional parents.  Debi is a single mom, but Shawn is still active in Eason’s life.  They wanted to do it their way, and they are.  In a non-traditional StoryKeeping session, I learned of how two vastly different people’s lives became intertwined perfectly, at a perfect time, for both of them.  The perfection of their union manifested May 23, 2006 in the form of a beautiful baby boy, Eason Orion.  

Debi sent me an email a few weeks ago.

I wanted to come up with a well thought out way to share the story of Eason … so you came to mind.

We are going to capture the story of a 3 year old!  Awesome!  I replied.

If I’m right, the goals of this StoryKeeping session would be to:

1)  Let Eason know the story of his mama.
2)  Let Eason know the story of his daddy.
3)  Have both mama and daddy tell the story of Eason together.

I’m envisioning the final product being a 3-CD set, with one CD dedicated to you, one CD to daddy, and one CD to the story of Eason as told by mommy and daddy.

I’ll be honest.  I loved this StoryKeeping session before it even began.  But to experience what transpired yesterday afternoon was something indescribable.  Not only do both parents have inspiring personal histories, but their words painted a picture of love only parents can comprehend.  Before the session began Shawn told me there’s no way to understand a parent’s love until you experience it.  Before long I was a believer.

As I sat there with my recording equipment in hand, Debi and Shawn poured out the story of Eason.  I disappeared into the recliner and the two mini-microphones became Eason’s ears.  Their words were laden with love.  They told Eason about his first moments on Earth.  Debi, in words only a mother’s love could piece together, described Eason’s face and how in those first few moments together she felt Heaven.

Debi is a dynamic lady, and upon meeting Shawn I was equally intrigued by these vibrant personalities.  Debi was a manager of mine, and through that experience became my friend.  We’re all alike in that no matter what we’re working on, it becomes a part of us.  Although I pride myself on being a “wordsmith”, Debi put me to shame yesterday.  After the session was concluded, Debi described the project as an “Emotional Trust Fund”.  Powerful!  And perfect.

Debi and Shawn will each have a copy of the session in a few days.  Eason’s copy is going to be in safe keeping for a few years, at least.  At just under four years old, he may not understand much of what was discussed, but Shawn and Debi spoke to the future Eason.  He may get his copy when he’s a teenager and could use a reminder of his parent’s love.  He may receive it upon his high school or college graduation.  That’s undecided.  The most beautiful thing is that, no matter when he receives it, this “Emotional Trust Fund” will have appreciated.  There’s a wealth of memories packed into that 3 1/2 hour session, and they made this memory deposit at the perfect time while all the details are still vivid.  This Emotional Trust Fund is priceless already.  Imagine the impact it will deliver.

I drove back to San Antonio in the dark with extra care last night.  I was transporting the Story of Eason.  Something great happened before my eyes yesterday.  This delicate outpouring of love, a unique new formula for an emotional masterpiece, will enhance countless lives.  I can’t wait to share this gift!